People lined up out the door for the kick-off of this year’s Earned Income Tax Credit program in Utica.

Congressman Richard Hanna (R-Barneveld) and about 40 guests helped the Mohawk Valley Asset Building Coalition announce the yearly program this morning at the Resource Center for Independent Living located at 1607 Genesee St.

The program offers free tax returns to households earning $50,000 or less. Last year, about 2,700 free tax returns were prepared in the Mohawk Valley to return more than $2.4 million to the community.

Millions of dollars available through the EITC program have gone unreported since the credit was approved by Congress in 1975. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a return, even if you do not owe any taxes or are not required to file. The returns are done by IRS-certified volunteers. The program also offers free financial literacy training.

“People are not always aware that they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Diana Sorrento, director of development for the Resource Center for Independent Living. “And that’s why we’re asking people to get your taxes done, make sure you’re receiving all the credits that you qualify for.”

Sorrento said volunteers are needed and those interested in volunteering should call Danny McLain, program coordinator, at 272-1888.

The program runs through April 15. To set up an appointment to receive a free tax return at the Resource Center, call 272-1888. Other locations include:

MV Perinatal Network, 1000 Cornelia St., Utica (732-4657 ext. 224)

MVCAA-Rome, 1721 Black River Blvd., Rome (624-9930 ext. 2401)

MVCAA-Utica, 1100 Miller St., Utica (624-9930 ext. 2813)

MVCAA-Ilion, 61 West Street, Ilion (624-9930 ext. 2302)

The Mohawk Valley Asset Building Coalition is developed in partnership with the Resource Center for Independent Living, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County and the IRS and with financial support from the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area, Inc.